In it’s E3 press conference Microsoft unveiled something of a treat for it’s legions of Halo fans. The Master Chief collection brings together all core entries in the Halo series; 1,2,3 & 4 all running in 60 frames per second and 1080p. Each game in the package will feature it’s entire original multiplayer content including any additional DLC with dedicated servers available for each game too.
The game is set to release this coming November 11th 2014 and will retail at around $60, a likely price point of £44.99 in the UK. Any one picking up the game at launch will also get the additional perks of invitation to the Halo 5 beta as well as access to the new live action tv show Halo: Nightfall.
Halo: Combat Evolved kicks off the set in its remastered version at 60fps and 1080p graphics. Additionally the game includes Halo 1’s original multiplayer rendered in its original engine and for the first time ever playable online.
Halo 2 in the set will come completely remastered and graphically tailored for playing on Xbox One. The experience has been completely refreshed and the original campaign has been reworked to include new elements, hidden Easter eggs and new story segments that can be discovered. These new elements will help to expand the storyline of Halo 2 and in turn a new prologue and epilogue will be present that show the connection between Halo 2 and the upcoming Halo 5: Guardians. On top of all that the games original multiplayer will be present rendered in its original engine with all 23 original maps plus 6 new reimagined maps tailored for Xbox One.
Halo 3 returns in similar fashion, though the game has not been remastered it will still have a noticeable improvement in presentation thanks to the increase to 60fps and 1080p. Again the games original multiplayer with all maps will be present rendered in the games original engine. Of course, last but not least Halo 4 will again receive no remastering but be presented at 60fps and 1080p. Original multiplayer will be present as well as the entirety of the games DLC content.
What do you think of the Master Chief collection? As fans of Halo: Combat Evolved but skipping most of the Xbox 360’s lifespan this gives us an excellent opportunity to dip back into the Halo universe and catch up with the expansive plot from games 2-4, ready to get involved with Halo 5: Guardians upon its release. With the great value of the set do you think you’ll pick it up or have you played these games enough and are happy to just wait for Halo 5: Guardians?
Ben Corbett-Mills / @benleopards
